* Freehold
This impressive, six - bedroom Grade ii - listed manor sits on the leafy outskirts
of Hartlepool, County Durham. Built in 1895 and spanning some 6, 372 sq ft, its
interior spaces are a riot of late Victorian style, with high ceilings,
original stained glass and wonderful examples of ornate plasterwork. Sitting
in over an acre of landscaped gardens, and just opposite Ward Jackson Park,
the house is idyllically located; Hartlepool Station, with connections to
Newcastle and London King's Cross, is also within easy reach.
Setting the Scene
Constructed in 1895, the original manor was built for a wealthy wine merchant
in the midst of significant development in Hartlepool. An amalgamation of
architectural styles, its façade comprises turrets, towers and crenulations,
embodying the Victorian notion that 'more is more'. The manor was divided in
the 1940s, with this house occupying the larger part; during this process,
great care was taken to ensure that original features were left intact, both
internally and externally. Retaining some striking examples of High Victorian
stained glass, woodwork and plasterwork, the house was recognised for its
architectural and historical importance in 1985, when it was given a Grade II
listing.
The Grand Tour
Set back from the road behind electric gates and approached via a rolling
drive, the house unfolds in all its glory. The façade is built from red brick
and local sandstone, with mullion windows, a turret and other eclectic
features borrowed from various architectural styles. Entry is through a
stooped Gothic arch atop a broad flight of steps at the base of the central
tower.
The main hall is entered via a screened porch, which is glazed with stained
glass depicting Hellenistic motifs and the original owners' crest. An imposing
space, the hall is double - height with a galleried landing and a glazed lantern
above. Replete with architectural details, it has intricate cornicing,
overhead door mouldings with entablature, and original brass door plates and
handles that continue throughout. A unique fireplace portrays the arts and
commerce in the form of two classical figures, both cast in brass.
To the side of the hall is the drawing room, with dual - aspect windows that
overlook the grounds. A grand entertaining space, the room has a Tudor revival
ceiling with wonderfully deep plasterwork. A vast bay window is topped with
stained glass representing poets and authors (Milton, Shakespeare, Chaucer and
burns), as are the two French doors leading to the garden. An intricate
parquet floor runs throughout the ground floor, made from a mixture of English
oak and exotic hardwoods.
Adjacent to the reception is the equally impressive and bright dining room. A
veneered fireplace adds a focal point to the room, while original cast iron
radiators have been sensitively restored by the current owners. Three, floor -
to - ceiling glazed doors also open to the gardens. The dining room leads to a
small study in the base of the turret, with stained glass portraying Calliope,
Clio and Thalia, among other Greek Muses.
The kitchen sits at the heart of the home. A large cast iron range with a
working fire is at the end of the space, while a bespoke shaker kitchen
occupies the main portion of the room. Finished in a dusky shade of green by
Farrow and Ball, the cabinets are topped with a mixture of solid walnut and
granite worktops. There is a vast island with double butler sinks, an
integrated dishwasher and four integrated ovens. Adjacent is a laundry and
utility room, with fitted cabinetry, Belfast sink and stone flooring.
There is an original Victorian washroom on the ground floor, with decorative
tiles and flooring, vanity and WC. There is also a large cloakroom and a
storeroom on this level.
Ascending to the first floor via a fine mahogany and teak staircase, there are
expanses of stained glass fitted in a stone mullion window; the glazing
depicts the zodiac signs and represents morning, noon and night, casting
filtered coloured light onto the staircase and upper landing.
The primary bedroom suite occupies a prominent, west - facing corner of the
plan. Finished in a rich, 'Book Room Red' by Farrow and Ball, the space has a
walnut veneered fireplace and bespoke fitted cabinetry. The en suite sits in
the upper portion of the turret, and has a roll - top bath, vanity and WC.
Adjacent is a secondary suite, currently used as a guest bedroom; finished
with a wonderful red chintz wallpaper, the room has dual aspect windows
overlooking the grounds and a large dressing room. Completing the first floor
plan are a third bedroom with an en suite and a large family bathroom.
The second floor of the house was originally used as servants' accommodation.
Now arranged as three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the floor has a unique self -
contained space in the tower, with kitchenette, reception room, bedroom and
bathroom.
A large cellar with three rooms is accessed via an external staircase.
The Great Outdoors
Spanning over an acre, the grounds of the house are beautifully maintained.
Bordered by well established specimen trees, a rolling lawn wraps around three
sides of the house. Several patio areas have been designated for outdoor
entertaining in warmer months, which are bordered by fragrant flower beds.
There is a large parking area to the rear which can easily accommodate 4 - 6
cars, accessed via a private drive and a set of electric gates.
Out and About
Located in the leafy suburb of West Park, just on the outskirts of Hartlepool,
the house sits opposite Ward Jackson Park; a bucolic, 17 - acre site named after
Ralph Ward Jackson, a local industrialist, who founded West Hartlepool in the
19th century. The house served by nearby West Park Primary School and High
Tunstall Secondary School.
Wonderfully located, the house is a 7 - minute drive from Hartlepool station,
which offers services between Newcastle and Middlesbrough. There are also
direct trains to London King's Cross in a little over 3 hours. Durham Tees
Valley Airport is a 30 - minute drive away, and Newcastle Airport some
60 - minutes.
Council Tax Band: G

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